As you near retirement age, personal independence is likely one of your first priorities. Going shopping, making visits to the doctor, or spending time at recreation activities requires driving around. And, for that, you’ll need appropriate car insurance. Should you check this feature on MoneyGeek, you’ll learn that providers have different criteria for offering coverage to “non-standard” drivers. You may have to scout around and ask about how to qualify for senior auto insurance so you can enjoy your retirement years to the fullest. Here are some practical tips that will help you lower the cost of getting coverage, but with additional benefits suitable for your evolving driving needs.
- Use Retirement as a Plus Point
An interesting fact is that carrier companies offer affordable insurance to seniors who are no longer driving as much as they did before retirement. You could sign up for a program that calculates premium according to the miles you drive each day. An average driver drives around 12,000 miles per year, which is why they are classified as having a higher risk. Since you’ll no longer commute to work, you would be clocking in fewer miles and thus get lower insurance costs. All you need to do is plug in a device that records the number of miles you drive each day.
- Brush Up Your Driving Skills
Even if you’ve been driving safely for years, the dynamics of driving as a senior can change. For instance, aging and taking certain prescription medications for common health problems can affect your cognitive abilities and, in turn, driving skills. You might find that your reflexes are slower. Or, that weakening vision and hearing are making it harder to navigate traffic. A smart move is to update your skills with a short class that typically costs you less than $20. Visit the closest AARP or AAA center and find out where you can get the necessary training. These classes include practical tips to help seniors on the road. Getting this certification can help you get cheaper senior auto insurance and allow you to get license renewal easily just like the folks at Consumer Reports advise.
- Choose Your Retirement Car According to Applicable Insurance
When choosing the car you’ll drive during retirement, consult a reliable car buying guide, and pick a model that costs low premiums. Economical cars that don’t cost a lot for repairs and maintenance also cost less by way of coverage. Further, make sure you get all the accessories that can prevent theft and loss, and protect you from injuries in case of an accident. For instance, having airbags, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, and ignition disabling systems lowers the risk of the car getting stolen. Check with the carrier’s representative for the devices they’ll cover like this article on Forbes magazine directs you. On the flip side, don’t worry about getting hi-tech gear. Oftentimes, simpler solutions like getting the Vehicle Identification Number etched on the windshield is a cheaper and as effective option.
- Pick and Choose the Coverage You Absolutely Need
At the time of renewing your policy, take a close look at the fine print. Not only should you check the market for cheaper auto insurance, but you can also deduct coverage that you’ll no longer need. For instance, remove collision and comprehensive insurance if your vehicle is no longer brand new and edit gap insurance if you’ve almost paid off the cost. You could also search around for bundling deals that give you multiple coverages in a single policy. Choose the insurance your need according to changing lifestyles.
Retirement is the time when you can relax and enjoy your life after years of working hard. Don’t let high insurance costs get in the way of your personal independence.
